TANZA, Cavite — Authorities arrested 13 workers involved in illegal quarrying operations in this town last Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

According to the National Bureau of Investigation-Environment Crimes Division (NBI-ENCD), the company they worked for did not have the necessary permits to excavate soil.

“They were engaged in backfilling and quarrying without permits from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB),” said NBI-ENCD chief Atty. Sixto Comia.

Seized from the site were 21 backhoes and 28 dump trucks used in the operations.

Comia said the excavation posed a danger to the area and could lead to landslides.

“The pit is around 6 to 8 meters deep, and the area covers no less than 10 hectares. This is a large-scale operation,” Comia said.

“When the pit is deep and the rainy season comes, the soil foundation softens. Even the walls of the pit can collapse,” he added.

The arrested workers claimed they were unaware the operation was illegal.

Meanwhile, the NBI is still determining the identity of the company owner. The suspects have been charged with violating Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act.